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The People United Will Never Be Defeated

Date: Friday 7th November; 7.30pm
Venue: The University of Chichester
The Riot Ensemble’s co-principal pianist Adam Swayne presents a unique performance Frederic Rzewski’sThe People United Will Never Be Defeated, one of the twentieth century’s most monumental works for solo piano. Rzewski wrote the piece in 1975 for Adam’s teacher, Ursula Oppens. The 36 variations are based on a song that expressed solidarity with the Chilean resistance to General Pinochet and, in a wild and often bewildering mix of virtuosic piano techniques and motley musical styles, the composer also weaves in other anthems that represent a struggle for democracy. The concert will last just over an hour without an interval and will include a spoken introduction.